Frequently Asked Questions
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Why buy locally grown food?
Buying locally considerably reduces transportation costs and energy use (a 1998 study
found that the average food item travels over 1500 miles from farm to fork!). When
you buy locally, food is harvested fresh, usually within 24 hours of delivery, so it lasts
longer in your fridge or pantry. By purchasing directly from the farmer, s/he receives
your full dollar amount - with no cuts to a store or middleman. Most importantly, you
get your very own farmer. Your support of Montalbano Farms ensures that farmers
and farm workers receive a fair wage for their work.
Do you grow ORGANIC produce and herbs?
Yes! All of the vegetables and herbs are grown organically. Midwest Organic Services
Association reviews the farm annually and provides the US Department of Agriculture
organic certification.
Why buy organic?
Organic farmers help the environment by building soil fertility, fostering biodiversity,
using water consciously, and avoiding toxic pesticides and fertilizers. Conventional
agriculture relies on a bloated system of fuel subsidies, price supports, and unregulated
pollution. These costs are certainly not reflected in supermarket prices.
How is the food packaged?
I’m glad you asked! I make every effort to reduce or eliminate the wasteful packaging
that is part of our current food system. On the delivery date, you will receive a re-usable
box that contains your week’s share. Many of the items inside are not wrapped in plastic
at all but are tied with rubber bands or twist-ties. Some arrive in reusable and recyclable
pulp containers. And a few items, mostly greens, are placed in plastic bags to maintain
appropriate humidity levels. Each week, I ask shareholders to return their clean share
box for reuse the following week.
What do I do with all of this food?
If you are not accustomed to eating a lot of fresh produce, my advice is to start slowly.
To assist you in making this transition, I recommend checking out a good vegetarian
cookbook from your library. In these books, you will find great recipes, especially for
some of the more out-of-the-ordinary vegetables you'll see from time to time. In
addition, stay tuned to the weekly newsletter, delivered with each share, for some
favorite recipes submitted by CSA members. Finally, make sure you have the right
“tools” for the job. Kitchen appliances such as juicers, canners, freezers, and food
processors can make preparation and storage quite easy. This is a great opportunity to
store locally grown food for winter use, and we will help you learn about storing
techniques.
Buying locally considerably reduces transportation costs and energy use (a 1998 study
found that the average food item travels over 1500 miles from farm to fork!). When
you buy locally, food is harvested fresh, usually within 24 hours of delivery, so it lasts
longer in your fridge or pantry. By purchasing directly from the farmer, s/he receives
your full dollar amount - with no cuts to a store or middleman. Most importantly, you
get your very own farmer. Your support of Montalbano Farms ensures that farmers
and farm workers receive a fair wage for their work.
Do you grow ORGANIC produce and herbs?
Yes! All of the vegetables and herbs are grown organically. Midwest Organic Services
Association reviews the farm annually and provides the US Department of Agriculture
organic certification.
Why buy organic?
Organic farmers help the environment by building soil fertility, fostering biodiversity,
using water consciously, and avoiding toxic pesticides and fertilizers. Conventional
agriculture relies on a bloated system of fuel subsidies, price supports, and unregulated
pollution. These costs are certainly not reflected in supermarket prices.
How is the food packaged?
I’m glad you asked! I make every effort to reduce or eliminate the wasteful packaging
that is part of our current food system. On the delivery date, you will receive a re-usable
box that contains your week’s share. Many of the items inside are not wrapped in plastic
at all but are tied with rubber bands or twist-ties. Some arrive in reusable and recyclable
pulp containers. And a few items, mostly greens, are placed in plastic bags to maintain
appropriate humidity levels. Each week, I ask shareholders to return their clean share
box for reuse the following week.
What do I do with all of this food?
If you are not accustomed to eating a lot of fresh produce, my advice is to start slowly.
To assist you in making this transition, I recommend checking out a good vegetarian
cookbook from your library. In these books, you will find great recipes, especially for
some of the more out-of-the-ordinary vegetables you'll see from time to time. In
addition, stay tuned to the weekly newsletter, delivered with each share, for some
favorite recipes submitted by CSA members. Finally, make sure you have the right
“tools” for the job. Kitchen appliances such as juicers, canners, freezers, and food
processors can make preparation and storage quite easy. This is a great opportunity to
store locally grown food for winter use, and we will help you learn about storing
techniques.
Frequently Asked Questions for Montalbano Farms CSA
Can you tell me more about Community Supported Agriculture?
Community Supported Agriculture provides shareholders with fresh produce direct from
a local farm at favorable prices. Typically, members of the CSA pledge to cover some of
the costs of the farm operation and share in the risks of farming. These include
unpredictable harvests due to extreme pest or weather conditions. In exchange, the
benefits include a weekly share of the farm's bounty throughout the growing season, as
well as participating directly in sustainable and local food production. Members are
welcome to visit the farm to learn more about organic agriculture and to participate in
several volunteer opportunities throughout the season.
Can you tell me more about Community Supported Agriculture?
Community Supported Agriculture provides shareholders with fresh produce direct from
a local farm at favorable prices. Typically, members of the CSA pledge to cover some of
the costs of the farm operation and share in the risks of farming. These include
unpredictable harvests due to extreme pest or weather conditions. In exchange, the
benefits include a weekly share of the farm's bounty throughout the growing season, as
well as participating directly in sustainable and local food production. Members are
welcome to visit the farm to learn more about organic agriculture and to participate in
several volunteer opportunities throughout the season.
How can I pay?
I can accept cash, check, or money order. If members are unable to
pay the full amount at once, I am willing to work with them to set up
pay plans.
I can accept cash, check, or money order. If members are unable to
pay the full amount at once, I am willing to work with them to set up
pay plans.
Do you sell half shares?
I do not. If you feel that a share is too much food for you, I
suggest that you find a partner to split the share. You’ll be able
to split the cost and the produce.
I do not. If you feel that a share is too much food for you, I
suggest that you find a partner to split the share. You’ll be able
to split the cost and the produce.
What if I need to skip a week?
If you need to skip a week, you can make arrangements for a friend or neighbor to pick
up your share for you. If no alternative arrangements can be made, I will be glad to
donate it to a local food pantry. Due to scheduling demands, I regret that I am unable to
give credit for weeks in which you are unable to receive your share.
If I'm not happy, can I get my money back?
Because your share dollars are used to buy seeds, nutrients, water, supplies, and
equipment, I want to let you know up front that there are no refunds after January 1st.
When and where are the shares delivered?
Shares are delivered to the Museum campus in downtown Chicago, the Logan Square
farmer's market, and the Ridgeville farmer's market in Evanston.
Do you collect feedback from shareholders?
Yes! I want shareholders to view themselves as part of the decision-making process. I
encourage members to help with the planning by recommending varieties of vegetables,
and letting me know which foods are a big hit, and which ones flop. While most of the
decisions and purchases are made in December of the previous year, there are some
times when I can make an early-season adjustment. In addition, past shareholders have
submitted some delicious recipes and recommendations for newsletter topics.
Where can I find out more?
The Internet provides access to all sorts of information about CSAs. If you would like
more information about my farm or CSA, please do not hesitate to contact me by
telephone at (630) 882-8008 or email me at rob@montalbanofarms.com.
If you need to skip a week, you can make arrangements for a friend or neighbor to pick
up your share for you. If no alternative arrangements can be made, I will be glad to
donate it to a local food pantry. Due to scheduling demands, I regret that I am unable to
give credit for weeks in which you are unable to receive your share.
If I'm not happy, can I get my money back?
Because your share dollars are used to buy seeds, nutrients, water, supplies, and
equipment, I want to let you know up front that there are no refunds after January 1st.
When and where are the shares delivered?
Shares are delivered to the Museum campus in downtown Chicago, the Logan Square
farmer's market, and the Ridgeville farmer's market in Evanston.
Do you collect feedback from shareholders?
Yes! I want shareholders to view themselves as part of the decision-making process. I
encourage members to help with the planning by recommending varieties of vegetables,
and letting me know which foods are a big hit, and which ones flop. While most of the
decisions and purchases are made in December of the previous year, there are some
times when I can make an early-season adjustment. In addition, past shareholders have
submitted some delicious recipes and recommendations for newsletter topics.
Where can I find out more?
The Internet provides access to all sorts of information about CSAs. If you would like
more information about my farm or CSA, please do not hesitate to contact me by
telephone at (630) 882-8008 or email me at rob@montalbanofarms.com.
